Dawsonville holds first reading of ordinance to restrict firearm discharge near parks, schools and certain residential developments

City Attorney Kevin Tallent told the Dawsonville City Council on Dec. 1 that Ordinance O052025 would regulate the discharge of firearms within the city but would not ban firearm use entirely. "It does not prohibit the discharge of firearms throughout the city," Tallent said, adding the draft would "prohibit the discharge of firearms within 150 yards of specific things such as parks, recreation areas ... schools ... churches, and property that is zoned for residential purposes" under certain residential-development definitions.

The ordinance was read for the first time; Tallent said the second reading and consideration for possible adoption is set for Dec. 15. He described the draft as adjustable by the council and noted it is intended to create buffers around public and sensitive uses rather than to seize firearms or criminalize lawful hunting on properly zoned lands.

Public comment at the meeting reflected a split in community views. Millard Bowen urged the council to "use moderate decisions" and preserve rural hunting opportunities while keeping safety in mind. Russell Barefield, noting recent population growth, described the ordinance as a way to "provide a safety buffer" for children and neighborhoods and said it was not intended to take away Second Amendment rights. Andrew Werkheiser, who described himself as a "proud gun owner," said child safety must come first and said neighborhoods converted from golf courses should not suddenly experience frequent gunfire.

Opponents raised concerns about property rights and the size of the proposed buffer. Michael Turner said the state of Georgia currently regulates firearm discharge at a 50-yard limit in certain contexts and questioned whether local data justify a 150-yard restriction, saying the ordinance "takes away private property owners' rights." Keith Hudson argued a 150-yard buffer would unduly limit lawful shooting on private property and suggested alternative set-back approaches.

Supporters described personal experiences they say illustrate safety risks. Diane Ralston, a combat veteran and gun owner, said she had been directly affected by stray shooting and told the council, "My neighbor's donkey has been shot and killed," and that she limits when her daughter rides because of nearby hunting activity.

Council members said the first reading begins a public process rather than imposing a final rule. Council member Sandy Sawyer outlined how the item came onto the agenda with little lead time and asked that staff and council schedule additional public engagement; Tallent and other council members said enforcement details and whether the Dawson County Sheriff's Office or city personnel would handle violations require further discussion. Tallent noted state criminal-code provisions and DNR hunting rules overlap but are not identical and that state law includes a separate provision prohibiting discharge within a limited distance of public highways as described in his presentation.

The council did not vote on adoption; the ordinance advanced as a first reading and will return for a second reading on Dec. 15.